(Tennis news) Defending champion Novak Djokovic began his Paris Masters on a dominant note, securing a straight set 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 victory over American Maxime Cressy. The former World Number 1 is aiming to secure his record-extending seventh title and by defeating Cressy, the Serbian got his 17th consecutive victory. 

Djokovic dominated the tie break in the opening set and seized the only break of the match to go 5-4 up in the second, serving his 11th win in a row. Cressy was let down by 22 unforced errors despite producing 36 winners compared to Djokovic’s 19. The Serbian will now face Switzerland's Marc-Andrea Huesler or Russian Karen Khachnov in the next round.

Speaking after the match, Djokovic said “It was very intense, just a lot of pressure. When you play someone that serves this well – first and second serve – you don't have much room to relax and maybe play a 'softer' few games. A break came at the right time, perfect time actually. I was very pleased with the way I held my serve and I didn't face a breakpoint." 

In other results, Britain’s number two Evans won his first game at the Paris Masters, winning 6-3 3-6 6-4 against 21-year-old American Brandon Nakashima to reach the second round. The World Number 27 will play Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in the next match. Draper also joined Evans in the last 32 with a 6-3 6-4 victory over France's Arthur Rinderknech. The left hander will now take on US Open semi finalist Frances Tiafoe in the second round. 

Also read: Paris Masters: Murray loses to wildcard Simon while Norrie wins